Fabio Quartararo Smashes Phillip Island Record to Take Pole for Australian MotoGP

Phillip Island, Australia – October 18, 2025: Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP rider Fabio Quartararo delivered a breathtaking performance in qualifying for the Australian Grand Prix, setting a new all-time lap record at Phillip Island with a sensational 1:26.465. The Frenchman’s flying lap edged out Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) by a mere 0.031s, securing pole position in a dramatic finale that had fans on their feet.

Adding to the excitement, local hero Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP) completed the front row after storming through Q1, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about ahead of the Tissot Sprint and Sunday’s Grand Prix.

Q1: Aldeguer and Miller Charge into Q2

Q1 saw plenty of drama as Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) and Miller battled it out for a place in the top two. Aldeguer topped the timesheets with a 1:27.071, while Miller thrilled the Phillip Island faithful by snatching P2 from Brad Binder (Red Bull KTM Factory Racing) by just 0.029s.

Johann Zarco (CASTROL Honda LCR) looked on course to break into the top two, but traffic through Turns 7 and 8 — involving Binder — forced the Frenchman to abandon his lap. In the end, it was Aldeguer and Miller who advanced to Q2.

Q2: Quartararo Delivers a Masterclass

The battle for pole began with Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP) setting the early pace before crashing at Turn 4. Jack Miller briefly went fastest with a 1:26.885, igniting wild cheers from the home crowd. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3) and Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team) also impressed early on, holding provisional front-row spots.

As the session intensified, Marco Bezzecchi took control with a 1:26.565, showing his trademark aggression through Phillip Island’s fast sweepers. But in the closing stages, Quartararo — nicknamed El Diablo — unleashed a flawless lap to reclaim pole with a record-breaking 1:26.465. Miller improved on his final lap to seal third place, marking his first front-row start since the 2023 Japanese GP.

Top 12 Grid for the Australian Grand Prix

The final qualifying order promises a thrilling race ahead:

1. Fabio Quartararo (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP) – 1:26.465
2. Marco Bezzecchi (Aprilia Racing) – +0.031s
3. Jack Miller (Prima Pramac Yamaha MotoGP)
4. Raul Fernandez (Trackhouse MotoGP Team)
5. Pedro Acosta (Red Bull GasGas Tech3)
6. Alex Marquez (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP)
7. Fermin Aldeguer (BK8 Gresini Racing MotoGP)
8. Pol Espargaro (Red Bull KTM Tech3)
9. Luca Marini (Honda HRC Castrol)
10. Fabio Di Giannantonio (Pertamina Enduro VR46 Racing Team)
11. Joan Mir (Honda HRC Castrol)
12. Alex Rins (Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP)

Reigning World Champion Francesco Bagnaia (Ducati Lenovo Team) qualified 11th but will start 14th after receiving a three-place grid penalty for impeding another rider during qualifying.

With Quartararo in record-breaking form, Bezzecchi chasing redemption, and Miller aiming for home glory, the Australian Grand Prix promises to be one of the standout battles of the 2025 MotoGP season.